New powers agreed to tackle aggressive beggars and e-bikes in Wakefield city centre

The authority’s cabinet members approved proposals to extend a public spaces protection order (PSPO) to give police and council officers more powers to target a range of anti-social behaviour.

The new order prohibits begging within ten metres of a cash or payment machine and restricts sitting or lying in the doorway of a business premises.

Officers will also have powers to take action against the anti-social use of electric bikes and scooters

A PSPO was first introduced in the city centre in 2017 to target drinkers and drug users causing a nuisance to shoppers, residents and business owners.

Senior councillors gave the go-ahead for an updated order at a meeting on Tuesday (November 18).

It permits £100 on-the-spot fines to be issued to anyone begging “in a manner which is aggressive or intimidating” or is “likely to cause someone to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed.”

The order also states: “Persons shall not erect tents or other temporary structures in any public place within the restricted area without the permission of the land owner.”

During the 2024-25 financial year, the council successfully applied for 32 criminal behaviour orders and issued 164 fixed penalty notices for nuisance and anti-social behaviour in four PSPO areas across the district.

Earlier this year, a new task force was launched aimed at cutting anti-social behaviour and crime in the city centre.

The unit was set up as the local authority began spending millions of pounds on projects designed to increase footfall in the city centre.

Daniel Wilton, cabinet member for communities, told the meeting: “It’s important that we ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces.

“West Yorkshire Police are really supportive of the proposals to update the PSPO.

“We have got to limit this behaviour to ensure that people can go about their daily life safely.”

The order will be in place for three years and covers an area expanded to include Westgate Leisure and Retail Park.

Jack Hemingway, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “I have spoken to business leaders who are absolutely desperate for anti-social behaviour to be tackled in the city centre.

“We know it’s been a priority for the council and the police and things are getting better.

“But we need to do more and extending the PSPO to include the retail park will eliminate the problem there.

“I really welcome the steps about e-bikes and e-scooters because that is a growing menace.”